5 Reminders For Best Teeth Brushing

Properly caring for your teeth at home is one of the cornerstones of good oral health. We all know that brushing twice a day and flossing are great ways to keep your teeth healthy, but making sure that your routine is effective will also help you have a lasting, happy smile. Impressions Dental, your choice for family dentistry in Erie, Colorado, would like to remind you of some bushing do’s and dont’s below.

1. Take Your Time

According to the leading dental organizations, correct teeth brushing should last two to three minutes at a time. Plaque and other build-up often end up in the hardest-to-reach places, so taking care to reach all tooth surfaces when brushing is also key. Some people put on a timer, hum a tune, or watch TV to help them gauge the allotted time. Certain models of electric toothbrushes even have built-in timers to help you with this. Going too long between teeth brushing can also have impacts, as cavity causing bacteria and plaque grows rapidly in mouths that have not been brushed recently.

2. Watch For Over Brushing

The technique you use for brushing your teeth is very important. Some people tend to brush their teeth too hard, which actually can harm your teeth. When you over brush, it can result in your gum lines receding or even sensitive teeth. This is called toothbrush abrasion, and it is due to the over brushing wearing down the tooth enamel, which can expose root areas. If your dentist sees that you are brushing too vigorously, then they may recommend that you switch to a softer bristled toothbrush. When you come in for your next appointment, with our Erie dentists at Impressions Dental, our hygienists can go over the best ways to brush your teeth.

3. Wait Half An Hour After Meals

People often forget that it’s best to wait thirty minutes after you eat to brush your teeth. This is because some food can be very high in sugars and acids that can eat away at your teeth enamel. By rushing the brushing, you can spread the acid around, and even end up polishing the existing enamel off your teeth. So a good rule of thumb is wait a half an hour before brushing to avoid this.

4. Move It Around

As humans, we tend to be creatures of habit, so we often begin to brush our teeth in the same spot every time. We also brush similar spots in our mouth in the same routine. This regular pattern of brushing can lead to wearing the teeth unevenly, as some teeth with get over brushed and some not enough. Next time you brush, try switching up where you start and end your brushing, making sure you cover all the spots in your mouth.

5. Change Is Good (at least, every three months!)

As your toothbrush is the most critical piece of equipment in the fight against cavities, it’s vital to make sure it’s doing the job correctly. Toothbrush bristles wear out fast, and when this happens, the brush becomes ineffective. As the American Dental Association advises, replacing your toothbrush every three months limits wear and gives you the best chance to keep your mouth fresh and healthy.